South Dakota Senate Bill SJR504

South Dakota 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/26/23
• Refer: 1/26/23

Caption

Proposing and submitting to the electors at the next general election an amendment to Article III of the Constitution of the State of South Dakota, to limit terms of service for legislators to eight years.

Impact

If approved by the voters, SJR504 would significantly alter the political landscape in South Dakota, potentially leading to higher rates of turnover among legislators. The introduction of term limits could encourage new candidates to run for office and may facilitate a broader representation of opinions in the legislature. However, it may also raise concerns about the loss of experienced legislators who have built institutional knowledge that can be beneficial in governance.

Summary

SJR504 is a proposed joint resolution introduced by Senator Brent 'B.R.' Hoffman during the 2023 South Dakota Legislative Session. This resolution seeks to amend Article III of the South Dakota Constitution to impose term limits on members of the legislature. Specifically, it aims to restrict legislators to serving no more than four consecutive terms, translating to a total of eight consecutive years in either the Senate or the House of Representatives. The proposal is designed to present this amendment to the state's electorate in the next general election for approval.

Contention

The proposal reflects a growing trend in various states towards instituting term limits for elected officials. Proponents argue that this could enhance democracy by preventing career politicians from entrenching themselves in power, thereby promoting political accountability. On the other hand, critics may contend that term limits could hinder legislative effectiveness by reducing the expertise and experience of lawmakers. The conversation surrounding SJR504 will likely center on these opposing viewpoints as stakeholders evaluate the implications of such constitutional changes.